Brushless dc motor fan controlled either remotely or by conducting wire

ABSTRACT

A fan is provided with a brushless DC motor; a controller assembly mounted in the brushless DC motor and electrically connected to the motor; a control electrically connected to the controller assembly; and a remote control. The controller assembly includes a filter, a full-wave rectifier electrically connected to the filter for converting AC into DC, a motor controller electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier and the brushless DC motor, a wire control module electrically connected the control, a microprocessor electrically connected to the wire control module, a control IC electrically interconnected the motor controller and the microprocessor, and a remote control module electrically connected to the control. The fan can be controlled either remotely or by conducting wire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to mechanical fans and more particularly to a brushless DC motor fan capable of being controlled remotely or by a conducting wire.

2. Description of Related Art

Fan is a machine used to create flow within, for example, air. Conventionally, fans are controlled by a conducting wire. Alternatively, fans can be controlled remotely. For example, there is a fan provided with a remote control. The switch on the fan is operated by a radio controlled receiver, and a hand held transmitter is adapted to permit a user to select multiple fan speeds and direction of blade rotation.

However, both of the above designs are controlled by a single device (e.g., control). Thus, the fan is useless if the control is malfunctioned.

Further, a fan can be controlled in a duo mode (i.e., controlled remotely or by a conducting wire) has not been disclosed as far as the inventor is aware. Thus, the invention described below is neither taught nor rendered obvious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a mechanical fan comprising a brushless DC motor; a controller assembly mounted in the brushless DC motor and electrically connected to the motor; a control electrically connected to the controller assembly; and a remote control; wherein the controller assembly comprises a filter, a full-wave rectifier electrically connected to the filter for converting AC into DC, a motor controller electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier and the brushless DC motor, a wire control module electrically connected the control, a microprocessor electrically connected to the wire control module, a control IC electrically interconnected the motor controller and the microprocessor, and a remote control module electrically connected to the control; and wherein in response to an operation of either (i) the control a first signal is generated, the first signal is sent to the wire control module which in turn sends the first signal to the microprocessor for processing, or (ii) the remote control an RF signal is transmitted from the remote control to the remote control module, the remote control module sends the RF signal to the control which in turn sends the RF signal to the wire control module, the wire control module sends the RF signal to the microprocessor for processing so that the microprocessor creates a second signal and sends the second signal to the control IC which in turn processes the second signal to send an instruction to the motor controller, and the motor controller activates or deactivates the brushless DC motor.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor fan capable of being controlled remotely or by a conducting wire according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the floor fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the floor fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wall-mounted fan capable of being controlled remotely or by a conducting wire according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the wall-mounted fan of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the wall-mounted fan of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wheeled fan capable of being controlled remotely or by a conducting wire according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the wheeled fan of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the wheeled fan of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 10, a fan 1 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The fan 1 is implemented as a floor fan 1 and comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

The floor fan 1 comprises a brushless DC (direct current) motor 11, a controller assembly 4 in the motor 11 electrically connected to the motor 11, a control 12 electrically connected to the controller assembly 4, and a remote control 13. A fan power cord 111 is electrically interconnected the control circuit 4 and mains electricity. A cable 112 is electrically interconnected the control 12 and the controller assembly 4. The remote control 13 comprises a plurality of buttons 131. The control 12 comprises a plurality of buttons 121, a knob 122, and an LCD (liquid crystal display) display 123.

The controller assembly 4 comprises a filter 41 electrically connected to the fan power cord 111, a full-wave rectifier 42 electrically connected to the filter 41 for converting AC (alternating current) into DC, a motor controller 43 electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier 42 and the motor 11, a wire control module 46 electrically connected the control 12 via the cable 112, a microprocessor 45 electrically connected to the wire control module 46, a control IC (integrated circuit) 44 electrically interconnected the motor controller 43 and the microprocessor 45, and a remote control module 47 electrically connected to the control 12. AC voltage is converted by the full-wave rectifier 42. Further, AC power is supplied to the motor 11 via the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 11 rotates to create flow within the air.

In use, a user may operate the knob 122 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 11. In detail, a signal is generated in response to the operation of the knob 122. The signal is sent to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 11 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation on the display 123. The user may operate the buttons 121 to set standby or sleep of the motor 11.

In addition to above operating mode, the user may alternatively use a wireless operating mode. In detail, the user may press the button 131 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 11. In response, an RF (radio frequency) signal is transmitted from the remote control 13 to the remote control module 47. The remote control module 47 sends the signal to the control 12. And in turn, the control 12 sends the signal to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 11 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation shown on the display 123. The user may operate the buttons 131 to set standby or sleep of the motor 11.

It is envisaged by the invention that a user can operate a fan in either a remote control mode or a mode of control by a conducting wire. Thus, an additional operation mode is provided to a user for selection.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIG. 10, a fan 2 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are discussed below. The fan 2 is implemented as a wall-mounted fan 2 and comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

The floor fan 2 comprises a brushless DC motor 21, a controller assembly 4 in the motor 21 electrically connected to the motor 21, a control 22 electrically connected to the controller assembly 4, and a remote control 23. A fan power cord 211 is electrically interconnected the control circuit 4 and mains electricity. A cable 212 is electrically interconnected the control 22 and the controller assembly 4. The remote control 23 comprises a plurality of buttons 231. The control 22 comprises a plurality of buttons 221, a knob 222, and an LCD display 223.

The controller assembly 4 comprises a filter 41 electrically connected to the fan power cord 211, a full-wave rectifier 42 electrically connected to the filter 41 for converting AC into DC, a motor controller 43 electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier 42 and the motor 21, a wire control module 46 electrically connected the control 22 via the cable 212, a microprocessor 45 electrically connected to the wire control module 46, a control IC 44 electrically interconnected the motor controller 43 and the microprocessor 45, and a remote control module 47 electrically connected to the control 22. AC voltage is converted by the full-wave rectifier 42. Further, AC power is supplied to the motor 21 via the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 21 rotates to create flow within the air.

In use, a user may operate the knob 222 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 21. In detail, a signal is generated in response to the operation of the knob 222. The signal is sent to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 21 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation shown on the display 223. The user may operate the buttons 221 to set standby or sleep of the motor 21.

In addition to above operating mode, the user may alternatively use a wireless operating mode. In detail, the user may press the button 231 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 21. In response, an RF signal is transmitted from the remote control 23 to the remote control module 47. The remote control module 47 sends the signal to the control 22. And in turn, the control 22 sends the signal to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 21 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation shown on the display 223. The user may operate the buttons 231 to set standby or sleep of the motor 21.

It is envisaged by the invention that a user can operate a fan in either a remote control mode or a mode of control by a conducting wire. Thus, an additional operation mode is provided to a user for selection.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIG. 10, a fan 3 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are discussed below. The fan 3 is implemented as a wheeled fan 3 and comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

The wheeled fan 3 comprises a brushless DC motor 31, a controller assembly 4 in the motor 31 electrically connected to the motor 31, a control 32 electrically connected to the controller assembly 4, and a remote control 33. A fan power cord 311 is electrically interconnected the control circuit 4 and mains electricity. A cable 312 is electrically interconnected the control 32 and the controller assembly 4. The remote control 33 comprises a plurality of buttons 331. The control 32 comprises a plurality of buttons 321, a knob 322, and an LCD display 323.

The controller assembly 4 comprises a filter 41 electrically connected to the fan power cord 311, a full-wave rectifier 42 electrically connected to the filter 41 for converting AC into DC, a motor controller 43 electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier 42 and the motor 31, a wire control module 46 electrically connected the control 32 via the cable 312, a microprocessor 45 electrically connected to the wire control module 46, a control IC 44 electrically interconnected the motor controller 43 and the microprocessor 45, and a remote control module 47 electrically connected to the control 32. AC voltage is converted by the full-wave rectifier 42. Further, AC power is supplied to the motor 31 via the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 31 rotates to create flow within the air.

In use, a user may operate the knob 322 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 31. In detail, a signal is generated in response to the operation of the knob 322. The signal is sent to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 31 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation shown on the display 323. The user may operate the buttons 321 to set standby or sleep of the motor 31.

In addition to above operating mode, the user may alternatively use a wireless operating mode. In detail, the user may press the button 331 to select speed and even start or stop the motor 31. In response, an RF signal is transmitted from the remote control 33 to the remote control module 47. The remote control module 47 sends the signal to the control 32. And in turn, the control 32 sends the signal to the wire control module 46 which in turn sends the signal to the microprocessor 45 for processing. And in turn, the microprocessor 45 creates a signal and sends the signal to the control IC 44 which in turn processes the signal to send an instruction to the motor controller 43. As a result, the motor 31 rotates or stops rotating in response to the instruction. The microprocessor 45 further generates a feedback signal which is sent back to the wire control module 46. The wire control module 46 further processes the signal to generate a signal representing information in digital form. As a result, the user can see a corresponding representation of information for confirmation shown on the display 323. The user may operate the buttons 331 to set standby or sleep of the motor 31.

It is envisaged by the invention that a user can operate a fan in either a remote control mode or a mode of control by a conducting wire. Thus, an additional operation mode is provided to a user for selection.

Although the invention has been described in detail, it is to be understood that this is done by way of illustration only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mechanical fan comprising: a brushless DC motor; a controller assembly mounted in the brushless DC motor and electrically connected to the motor; a control electrically connected to the controller assembly; and a remote control; wherein the controller assembly comprises a filter, a full-wave rectifier electrically connected to the filter for converting AC into DC, a motor controller electrically interconnected the full-wave rectifier and the brushless DC motor, a wire control module electrically connected the control, a microprocessor electrically connected to the wire control module, a control IC electrically interconnected the motor controller and the microprocessor, and a remote control module electrically connected to the control; and wherein in response to an operation of either (i) the control a first signal is generated, the first signal is sent to the wire control module which in turn sends the first signal to the microprocessor for processing, or (ii) the remote control an RF signal is transmitted from the remote control to the remote control module, the remote control module sends the RF signal to the control which in turn sends the RF signal to the wire control module, the wire control module sends the RF signal to the microprocessor for processing so that the microprocessor creates a second signal and sends the second signal to the control IC which in turn processes the second signal to send an instruction to the motor controller, and the motor controller activates or deactivates the brushless DC motor. 